A Guide to Setting
up E-Teams
April 2015
Tommie, Holly, Shyam, Savarna, Sam
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Contents
Introduction
Page 3
Purpose of an E-Team
Page 4
Step by step guide
Page 5
Surveys
Page 7
Problems and how to solve them
Page 9
Support agencies
Page 10
Case studies
Page 12
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Introduction
Welcome
Welcome to this guide on how to set up an E-Team. It has been produced by
the Young Peoples Equalities Group to help you create an E-Team of your
own.
Throughout the guide there will be ideas and resources that you may find
useful. There are also contact details for organizations that your E-Team may
be interested in.
What is an E-Team?
An E-Team is a group of young people
supported by adults that works to
promote equality within their setting.
In a primary school this may be finding
ways to promote friendships and
celebrate difference. In secondary
schools or youth settings the teams can
work towards addressing equalities
issues, such as racism, sexism, HBT
(Homophobic,
Biphobic
and
Transphobic). The teams can work
towards issues within their local area, schools or wherever the E-Team is
based.
Purpose of the guide
This guide is intended to help you to set up an E-team and create a group to
take action within your school, club or other environment. We have provided
some suggestions based on our experiences but each E-Team should choose
how their team is run.
If you would like to join the YOUNG PEOPLE’S EQUALITIES GROUP,
please contact [email protected] or
[email protected]
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The Purpose of an E-Team
We always make it clear that E-teams are flexible structures that should be
designed to meet the needs of your school/setting. If you are part of a youth
group setting, the structure of your E-team will differ to that of a primary or
secondary school. Below are some of the major purposes of an E-Team,
which may form an integral part of your constitution:
A union of young people and adults with a common purpose
An E-Team can provide an opportunity for young people to develop critical
skills, yet it also bridges the gap between adults and young people,
encouraging self-evaluation and leadership from both.
A forum for equalities topics
This provides the group with a meeting space to voice
concerns and develop ideas.
A campaigning role
With enough support, it is possible to start a campaign
in any setting. A campaign can be all or some of the
following:





Raising awareness of specific issues
Inspiring wider community involvement
Taking action
Negotiating change
Implementing new policies
Monitoring incidents of discrimination and measuring impact
The survey can be a valuable tool to monitor levels of inequality and
assessing change.
Assessing strengths, problems and progress
Whilst incidents of inequality need to be addressed, it is important to
remember that your E-team should also celebrate achievements and
progress.
Measuring the impact of having an E-team on the school/setting
In a similar way, E-Teams can act as independent bodies which monitor and
objectively examine the progress of a school/setting in becoming more equal.
Providing support for young people and staff particularly if they are
being bullied
The E-Team can develop into a support structure designed to mentor both
teachers and students. It is worth contacting local organisations and even
teachers unions for support and training.
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Setting up an E-team Step by Step
Talktoagroup
ofinterested
youngpeople
andadults
Talkto
headsor
senior
members
ofstaff
Applyfor
£100
grant
Take
Surveys‐
Identify
Issues
Writeyour
constitution
(i.erules
andpurpose
ofgroup)
Findout
whoelse
wouldbe
interested
Raise
awareness
‐ Suchas
an
assembly
Holdfirst
meeting‐
Designfirst
agenda
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Setting up an E-team Step by Step
Start off by getting a few people together who are passionate about making your school
(or setting) more equal. This is a really important part because you need to make sure
you are committed and able to handle any potential set-backs.
Getting a teacher or project worker on board early on, gives you support and an idea of
what you can and can’t do. It also really helps to have the backing of senior members of
staff. You could go and speak to them directly or put together a presentation for the
leadership team. You can also find out if anyone else is interested like governors, (or
trustees), SMAs, teachers, teaching assistants. This can really benefit your E-team as
the more people you have, the easier it is to start up your campaigns because you will
already have the links throughout your school or organisation.
It is important to let the whole school or setting know about your E-team. In a school you
can do this by holding assemblies where you can explain the reasons for setting up an Eteam and outline some of the potential issues. You will also want to find out if there are
other young people who would be interested in joining your E-team. An assembly is also
a useful way of launching your whole school survey. The section on Surveys can help
you with this.
A survey can highlight the issues that young people are concerned about. You should
look at the survey results with all of the members of your team and pick out what
everyone says the biggest problems are. This could be bullying, feeling isolated,
concerned about inappropriate language or behaviour, being aware of discrimination,
being discriminated against, being anxious about being different.
After this you need a plan to tackle the problem. Every school and setting has problems,
it’s just about thinking about the best way to approach them. You could do a poster or a
pledge campaign; you could talk to the PSHE lead to see if your campaign could be
included in the PSHE curriculum; you could hold fun events where you give away free
ribbons and chocolate. If you are looking for some ideas or you just want to look at what
other schools or settings have done, take a look at the Case Studies at the back of this
guide.
You all then need to decide where and when will you meet. It is a lot better to meet
regularly because this means everyone is kept up to date and it is quite hard to
communicate with everyone when you are not face to face. Some E-teams meet weekly,
some fortnightly and some monthly. It is up to your team to decide what suits you all
best.
Don’t forget to apply for the grant that B&NES Council offers to E-teams. It is not difficult
and you can get £100 towards your campaigns.
It is an excellent idea to keep a record of what you do and to write up the impact of your
campaign. This can not only give everyone a great sense of achievement but the wider
community locally and even nationally can learn a lot from your experience.
If you get any problems when you are setting up your E-teams then look at the Problems
and Solutions page.
GOOD LUCK!
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Surveys
Why have a survey?
Surveys are an invaluable tool for analysing the views of a group of people.
They can highlight major issues within your school or setting regarding
inequality and this information can help direct your campaigns/projects. They
can also be useful in evaluating what change, if any, has taken place as a
result of setting up an E-team or launching a campaign.
A website such as ‘surveymonkey’ provides an easy online form designed by
the user for free. It also breaks down the data for you.
What is a survey?
A survey is a set of questions focused on getting the information you need.
When designing your survey it is important to ask questions that are easy to
understand and unambiguous. If there is a risk of misunderstanding, the data
received may be worthless. Ideally the types of questions you should ask fall
into these categories:




Questions which require a ‘Yes/No’ answer
Scaling questions (ie where you rate something on a scale of say, 1 – 5).
Statements that require a response from strongly disagree to strongly
agree.
Multiple choice questions
These questions are quick to analyse and provide useful raw data. However,
you also need qualitative evidence which can be very useful when promoting
the E-Team. For this purpose, it is also useful to have a ‘comments box.’
SHORT EXAMPLE SURVEY
Below is an example of a short survey which can be used to assess the levels
of homophobia in your school/setting. It is important to ensure anonymity to
encourage truthful answers.
1.
What Year group are you in?
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
2.
There is no homophobic bullying in our school/setting
Agree
Not sure
Disagree
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3.
Have you witnessed any homophobic behaviour during the last
academic year? (Includes inappropriate use of the word ‘Gay’ or homophobic
bullying towards individuals.)
Yes
No
If yes, please give details:
4.
How does homophobic bullying make you feel?
(Pease tick as many as apply)
Anxious
Unsafe
Happy
Sad
Indifferent
5.
Vulnerable
Scared
Lonely
Satisfied
Other (please state)
Please rate the following on a scale of 1-5
(1 is not at all and 5 is completely)
I care about LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans) equality.
My school is safe for LGBT people.
LGBT issues are discussed during PSHE lessons.
I have been taught about LGBT sexual health.
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1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
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Problems and how to solve them
P I want to start an E-team but no one is interested.
S Start off small, ie with two or three young people and a member of
staff. Do not try to tackle issues that are too huge. The £100 grant can
be used for fun things – like having more break and lunch time games
to combat isolation.
P My school/group does not think that we have a problem with
equalities or bullying.
S A whole school/group survey can show that there are often hidden
issues. You can also refer to the SHEU (School, Health, Education
Unit) survey. [email protected] can let you know if your
school has done this survey.
P My school is worried that if we set up an E-team, OFSTED will think
we have a problem.
S Actually OFSTED will be impressed that you are working together to
solve a problem rather than hiding it. Give examples of other schools
who are successfully tackling equalities issues. See the Case Studies
and the 2015 E-Team Newletter. P There is a general apathy about doing anything about bullying in my
school/group.
S Give examples of other schools/groups. Refer to the 2015 E-team
Newsletter which has examples of lots of inspiring equalities work in
B&NES.
P How do we keep the interest going?
S Have regular meetings, emphasise progress, hold assemblies give
out positive messages.
P What happens when key people leave? Won’t the group fall apart?
S It is important that your constitution emphasises that everyone owns
the E-team and must take an equal responsibility. The E-team should
cross the age range and always be recruiting new members. There will
be leaders in the group but everyone should be encouraged to take a
lead.
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Support Agencies
Off the Record
This charity provides a range of FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and
INDEPENDENT services for children and young people that
support the development of their emotional health and wellbeing. This organization provides a dedicated LGBT group
(SPACE), advocacy and disability support (YAGA)
Address:
Off the Record
Open House Centre
Manvers Street
Bath BA1 1JW
Tel: 01225 312481 Fax: 01225 446641
Text 07753 891 745
Email: [email protected]
Stand Against Racism and Inequality (S.A.R.I.)
This provides help for anyone experiencing discrimination of
any kind but mainly focuses on racism and discrimination
because of someone’s ethnicity.
Address:
PO Box 2454
Bristol, BS2 2WX
Tel: (0117) 942 0060
Fax: (0117) 942 0066
Freephone: 0800 171 2272
Email: [email protected]
Young Carers Service, Carers Centre
This service provides support and help for young people who are
looking after a family member.
Address:
North East Somerset Carers' Centre
1 Riverside Cottages
Radstock BA3 3PS
Bath Carers' Centre,
The Woodlands
Lower Bristol Road
Bath, BA2 9ES
Freephone for carers: 0800 0388 885
Office: 01761 431388
Email: [email protected]
Contact a Family.
Address:
Anti-Bullying Alliance
National Children's Bureau
8 Wakley Street
London EC1V 7QE
Email: [email protected]
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Childline
This is a private and confidential service for
children and young people up to the age of
nineteen.
Tel: 0800 1111
NSPCC
This is service which has been created to protect children and
young people across the country.
Tel: 0808 800 5000
Or report it online.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
This provides specialist NHS children and young people’s
mental health service.
Tel: 0808 802 5544
BLACK FAMILIES Supplementary school and mentoring service providing
help with educational achievement, school choice and appeals, school
exclusion, racial discrimination and harassment, special educational needs
and making a complaint.
Advice and Support Helpline 01225 787 924
PROJECT 28 Supporting young people who are socially excluded for
reasons such as homelessness, alcohol or drug problems, learning disabilities
or emotional difficulties.
28 Southgate Street, Bath BA1 1TP
Call: 01225478730 Email: [email protected]
MENTORING PLUS Mentoring for young people needing extra support
with family education, emotional needs and employability.
117 Newbridge Hill, Bath BA! 3PY.
01225 429694 Email: [email protected]
For any other provision:
Family Information Service
The Information Team will answer your enquiries about a range
of family related issues.
Tel: 01225 395343 available Monday to Thursday 8.45am to
4.45pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Email: [email protected]
Text: 07980 998 906
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CASE STUDIES
FARRINGTON GURNEY E-TEAM
In Farrington Gurney School we recently set up an E-Team which we have
called Play Team to help children who feel left out at play time. There were
plenty of physical play opportunities in the playground but for the children who
wanted either quieter or creative activities there was little provision.
The Play Team organised clip boards, paper and pens to be in the playground
on some days and led some board games on other days. However when it
was wet or windy the paper was not a good option and although there was a
covered area the board games with cards also blew away.
The team thought about these issues and spent some money from the grant
on waterproof note books which have proved better when the weather has not
been so good.
The activities have helped all the children to have choices in their play. This
has had a positive impact on play and has improved the relationships
between all the year groups.
As the weather improves we have a list of ideas to use in the playground
which will include den making, clay modelling and weaving.
BATHWICK ST MARY ANTI-BULLYING AMBASSADORS
Our reason for setting up an E-team was to stop bullying and help people
make friends. Year 5 pupils buddied Reception pupils to help them develop
friendships
Our outcomes have been to see Reception pupils make friends with more
than one other pupil and to help individual pupils in other years who were
feeling isolated. We have also taught Reception pupils new team games. We
would like to engage them more in outdoor games and to have a display
showing the lunchtime activities we have been involved in with Reception
pupils.
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WELTON PRIMARY SCHOOL VALUES AMBASSADORS
We have recently worked closely as a school community of staff, children and parents to devise
a refreshing new set of six core values which we believe are key to preparing our children for
their lives in the world today.
A Welton child will learn to be:






Responsible
Collaborative
Respectful
Unique
Courageous
Aspirational
Part of this process has been establishing a team of Values Ambassadors consisting of two
representatives from each class. The children have worked hard to communicate the ideas of
their class with staff, including joining in with an INSET session, to ensure that that the values
and their definitions were meaningful to everyone.
Future plans for the Values Ambassadors include:
 Helping to launch the values across the school community with a focus morning to include
taking a lead role in an assembly and explaining ‘Jars and Gems’ (an incentive scheme
linked to the values).
 Planning the new school pond launch event with a focus on the values and how we can
organise an event while promoting them across our school e.g. pond safety workshop to
design posters, pond wildlife fact session to produce identification keys to display around the
pond and working together to make celebratory cakes.
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CHEW VALLEY E-TEAM PROMOTING LGBT EQUALITY
What are the main issues?
 Homophobic, bi-phobic and transphobic (HBT) bullying and attitudes around the school.
 Some staff lacked understanding and awareness of LGBT issues.
 New Year 7s were not aware of the school values and ethos.
What did you do to address these?
The E-Team has trained school staff (including lunch time assistants, teaching assistants and
the school leadership team [SLT]).
 Campaigns during Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender history month in February
include :
o A poster competition to raise awareness of the need to tackle HBT and sexual bullying.
There were over 300 entries, and the winners are displayed around school.
o Stonewall films “Fit” and “Free” have been shown at lunchtimes throughout LGBT History
Month.
o A “Break down the Wall of HBT Bullying” campaign: boxes containing messages, rainbow
pins, wristbands, and other goodies were built then knocked down to symbolise the
eradication of HBT behaviour. The wall had to be re-built on numerous occasions as 500
pupils and staff wanted to be involved!
o Pupils and staff were interviewed by Radio Bristol about their campaigns.
o Chew Valley pupils supported the Local Authority at LGBT History Month events at the
Holburne Museum and spoke at a special meeting for LGBT schools staff.
Who was involved?
The E-Team is made up of pupils and a member of staff (PSHE lead, Lou Pope). The whole
school community has been involved in the campaigns including SLT, teachers, support staff
and pupils from every year group.
What has changed as a result?
 There is a raised level of awareness of the need to take a stand, and a real buzz about the
school, especially around Sir Ian McKellen’s visit and during LGBT history month. People
want to get actively involved!
 A growing sense of pride at being at Chew Valley School, which now has a national
reputation for its work.
 Staff are more confident and willing to discuss LGBT issues rather than signposting to other
services or the E-Team.
 100 ‘Equalistar’ awards have been made by pupils to staff who actively challenge
discrimination and promote and celebrating difference.
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NORTON HILL E-TEAM PROMOTING LGBT EQUALITY
e tea
What are the main issues?
 Support for LGBTQ Young People in both Norton Hill and Somervale (their federated) school.
 Support for straight young people who are targeted either because they’re perceived to be LGBT or
because of affiliation.
 The need to raise awareness of LGBT issues and promote LGBT equality across the school
communities.
What did you do to address these?
 Established the “Heroes” group-a sub-group of the E-Team - which focuses specifically on
LGBTQ issues.
 Established a group of 6th Form LGBTQ to support and buddy younger pupils who are
LGBTQ. This is done both individually and in groups.
 Worked directly with the SPACE Co-ordinator at Off the Record who has delivered training to
the E-teams.
 Resource packs have been developed for the purpose of raising awareness of HBT bullying.
 Ran focused campaigns in assemblies and during LGBT history month.
Who was involved?
 E-Team members (60 + young people plus LGBT staff, other staff and a governor).
 A Team of 6 6th Formers who are themselves LGBTQ.
 The whole school community has been invited to get involved in campaigns across the two
schools.
What has changed as a result?
 A decrease in HBT language & attitudes.
 A better understanding of the history of HBT discrimination.
 Since Sir Ian McKellen’s visit lots of positive energy and especially the development of the
HEROS group.
 Straight young people beginning to realise that it is a collective responsibility.
What are the next steps?
 To raise more money for E-Team campaigns and activities.
 To focus on issues surrounding transphobia.
 To develop more work with local schools via the E Summit and through local partnerships
including schools.
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